To the Editor:

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 22, 2022, I visited Chad Schroeder at the Huron Parks and Rec. Department. It seemed a quiet, meaningful gesture of support for Ukraine if the City of Huron set up yellow and blue lights, shining on each side of the bald eagle at the bandshell, would be appropriate.

Commissioner Rich Bragg gave him the green light and Chad’s people went to work. The result was something very special. The yellow and blue colors of Ukraine’s flag bracketing America’s national symbol in the Campbell Park bandshell quietly said, “America supports Ukraine’s struggle.” The lights were shut off to make way for summer activities in the park.

In the fall of 2022, Chad got permission to light up the bandshell for the coming winter and did so, again, until spring of 2023.

In early December, 2023, I called Chad to find out when the lights were going to be shining again. He said earlier this fall Commissioner Bragg had called Chad and told him the winter lights supporting Ukraine are suspended.

When I visited Commissioner Bragg, he informed me the City did not want the bandshell message to become a political issue. “Besides, several people had called complaining.” I visited Mayor Harrington who repeated Commissioner Bragg, “We don’t want this to become a political issue. Several people have called complaining.” And emphatically said, “We will not light up the bandshell.”

Originally, the “Bandshell Lights” was a moral statement. If Putin succeeds, Ukraine will cease to exist. A total of 47 million people will lose their language, their culture, their way of life.

Gentlemen, you have chosen a political world. “Political” need not be a dirty word when you do the right thing. Try it. Otherwise, shame on you.

C. John McEnelly
Huron